Cost Manager (Construction & Quantity… at Drees & Sommer · Dubai

Company Description

Creating a future worth living for future generations gets us out of bed every morning. Depending on the project, we are consultants, implementers, or both for sustainable, innovative and economical solutions for real estate, industry, energy and infrastructure. Our more than 6,500 employees at over 80 locations worldwide support our customers in interdisciplinary teams. Our thinking is both visionary and realistic. We work independently and as part of a team. With passion and the latest technologies. We unite. Join us at Dreso and let’s create a world we want to live in.

Job Description

Drive large-scale real estate and urban development projects and shape the future of cities with us. Whether in mixed-use developments, commercial districts, residential communities, or large-scale urban regeneration projects, our projects create sustainable and future-proof environments for people and businesses.

For the successful delivery of a demanding and complex urban development and infrastructure project, we are looking for a Cost Manager to join our team in Dubai.

This position offers a broad exposure to project delivery, combining cost planning, cost management and selected quantity surveying activities across multiple project phases. As an all-rounder, you will work collaboratively with the project management team and other technical experts to understand project requirements, evaluate different technical and design options, and identify the most economically viable solutions for the client. We are looking for a hands-on and adaptable professional who enjoys contributing beyond a narrowly defined role, takes ownership and is keen to continuously learn while building a long-term career within a growing and collaborative team.

• Independently prepare investment cost estimates, cost plans and detailed cost calculations based on building type benchmarks, cost elements, trade cost indicators and unit rates across all project phases.
• Perform quantity take-offs and quantity analyses, including BIM-based and manual measurement extraction, as the foundation for reliable cost planning and forecasting.
• Review, validate and challenge cost calculations, estimates and commercial submissions prepared by contractors, consultants and other project stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain project cost tracking, including budgets, commitments, expenditures, change orders and construction progress.
• Develop model-based cost forecasts, cash flow projections and portfolio cost outlooks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare financial analyses, reporting and management dashboards while coordinating cost-related topics with clients, consultants, contractors and internal project teams.
• Lead cost evaluations within change management, risk and opportunity assessments, and support investment decisions through commercial analysis and decision papers.
• Drive value engineering and cost optimisation initiatives in close collaboration with the project management team and technical experts, developing alternative solutions to identify the best balance of cost, quality, functionality, schedule and overall project objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Construction Management or a comparable qualification
• Initial to several years of professional experience in cost calculation, cost management, project controls or commercial project management within the construction or real estate industry
• Good understanding of construction cost planning, cost controlling, forecasting and reporting with exposure to local construction cost structures and market practices
• Confident use of Excel and cost management, project controls or commercial management software
• Hands-on, flexible and proactive mindset with the willingness to contribute across a broad range of commercial and project-related topics beyond purely cost management activities
• Very good English skills combined with a structured, reliable and collaborative way of working
• UAE driving licence required

Additional Information

• Benefiting from our global expertise and gain insights into managing international real estate developments
• We promote your professional and personal development through individual training and further education at the Drees & Sommer Academy
• We support your health by providing a premium level of health insurance
• A work environment that enthusiastically embraces and supports innovative ideas and sustainable practices
• Beyond the standard, we offer an attractive annual leave allowance
• Enjoy a culture of flat hierarchies, fostering open communication, teamwork, and a shared commitment to achieving goals together